I’m a sucker for the 4th of July. Not necessarily the fireworks and the parades (although I can’t wait to see the guy taking a shower on the plumber’s float or the float that makes the chicken sandwiches at the South Elgin Parade), but the part about freedom.
The United States, while not perfect, is an amazing country, that has given us tons of freedoms and opportunities because a few people decided to take a stand 225 years ago and create a place where life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness were self-evident truths.
As a technical artist in the local church, it is easy to get wrapped up in the things I don’t have, or the gear we can’t afford; the less than perfect mix, or a process that irritates me; the volunteer who forgot to show up or wishing for a better relationship with my worship pastor. Throw all that on top of just trying to make each week happen and it is easy to lose sight of the great privilege it is to have these challenges.
These issues are a luxury compared to what churches around the world are faced with. To have a sound system that functions are rare. Even the thought of having a video projector, of any brightness is a crazy dream. Heck, just having a constant supply of power is a rarity for the majority of the world. Not to mention being persecuted for my beliefs.
So for those of us who call the United States home or any place that allows for freedom of religion, let’s all be grateful for the opportunity to worship freely, to have an opportunity to use our gifts in technology for the benefit of the local church and that we have the privilege to have the struggles and challenges that we do.
Let’s stop wishing for something better and take full advantage of the opportunity.
